Bio-Inspired Design: Organized Complexity, Modes of Mystery, and Prospect & Refuge

As mentioned in our previous blog on bio-inspired patterns, there are a few key principles of nature-inspired design beyond the patterns of nature covered previously. We refer to these principles as organized complexity, modes of mystery, and prospect and refuge. Here, you’ll find a combination of theoretical and practical insights leading to the creation of spaces that feel good.

Organized Complexity

While organized complexity was mentioned in the previous blog, there is more to organized complexity than the precise recreation of certain natural patterns. More broadly, we are attracted to organized complexity in the environment on a large scale because nature is organized, yet complex. 

Take the kitchen below as an example: the exposed placement and arrangement of different tools in the kitchen environment resembles the branches, leaves, and grasses that we evolved to see as home. You can imagine the hanging light fixtures as the canopy of branches overhead, and the walls decorated in various dishes and tools as the trees beside you. 

Of course, the organized component is key. Organized complexity is not a suggestion to leave trash and dishes on the floors and countertop, but an invitation to put systems in the home on display, as our brains are actually comforted by seeing the different components of an environment on display. Incorporating organized complexity will keep you stimulated and engaged with the environment without being so cluttered and disorganized that it becomes stressful.

Rule of thumb: When incorporating organized complexity, 80% of the environment should be calm and predictable while 20% should be exciting and unique. Don’t be afraid to involve the floors and ceilings in your decorating plans - the ground and skies are just as important to your subconscious brain as trees and bushes.

Modes of Mystery

Another interesting concept, modes of mystery, refers to the design and format of transition points throughout a home or space. Rarely in nature is there complete opacity or uninterrupted view. Rather, there tends to be some element of mystery or unsurety, as elements of nature tend to create many structured, partial viewpoints. 

Consider a winding river surrounded by trees or an informal trail tracking through fallen trees and trampled grasses. These are the conditions in which people evolved to be comfortable: partial obstruction creating transitions with a healthy balance of visibility and mystery.

Fortunately, modes of mystery are not exclusively available in nature. To create this impact in home or an indoor space, create points of transition between spaces that allow partial view, a glance that provides a hint but not a complete idea of what’s going on. This focus on mystery in transitional spaces will contribute towards the balance of safety and opportunity that leaves us comfortable, not claustrophobic.

Rule of thumb: Create points of transition between spaces that allow partial view, a glance that provides a hint but not a complete idea of what’s going on, to simulate the thrill of wondering, “what’s going on over that hill, around that tree, or behind that bush?”

Prospect and Refuge

Lastly, the concept of prospect and refuge is one to be harnessed in indoor spaces. Historically, people settled in areas of partial protection and partial visibility, neither completely exposed nor completely blind to the world around them.

Similarly, people respond positively to things like a windowsill reading nook, where they feel comforted by a sense of partial protection while maintaining a view of the outside world.

Rule of thumb: Take advantage of a home’s nooks and crannies, especially if there is a window present. By adding comforting decor like pillows, blankets, and a comfortable cushion, a space that is often neglected can transform into a uniquely comforting place of refuge.

At the end of the day, the important takeaway here is that because our brains evolved outdoors, indoor spaces that reflect elements of nature help us feel safe, at peace, and at home. Incorporating the principles of organized complexity, modes of mystery, and prospect and refuge are simple but effective ways to please the subconscious mind and instill a deep sense of calm.

Real World Examples

While the principles covered in these blogs are theoretical, they make a real-world impact. There are spaces around the world using architecture and design to heal, nurture, and inspire their occupants:

• A Space for Being is an experimental design exercise in creating spaces supporting a clean transition between the home and the outside world.

• Khoo Tech Puat Hospital is a hospital in Singapore that provides “healing through nature.”

• Maggie’s Centres are spread throughout the UK and Hong Kong to host and support those affected by cancer.

• The new Sandy Hook School was designed as “a place for healing” after the Sandy Hook School shootings.